What are symptoms of a stroke that occur in the left side of the brain?

People who have had a transient ischemic attack or stroke on the left side of the brain will frequently have aphasia, which is a disturbance of language use. With aphasia, the person is not able to properly understand or express language. You can’t understand what’s spoken or express your thoughts. Other symptoms include loss of vision and decreased awareness of vision from the right side, weakness or clumsiness of the right side of the face, arm or leg, and loss of sensation in the right side of the face, arm or leg.

Whether a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or warning stroke) or a full-blown stroke, location on the left side of the brain commonly cause weakness, loss of sensation, clumsiness, loss of vision and loss of awareness of the right side of the body. Language comprehension or expression may also become impaired.

The symptoms of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) provide clues about its type and its location in the brain. A stroke on the left side of the brain, for example, may result in problems on the right side of the body, such as paralysis or abnormally slow movements on the right side, facial droop or loss of sensation on the right,or an inability to see objects in the right half of the visual field. Abnormal speech and an inability to speak or understand speech may also result, because these functions are controlled on the left side of the brain. Other left-sided functions may also be affected, including reading, writing, or calculating.

Continue Learning about Stroke Warning Signs & Symptoms

It's important to take action at the first sign of a stroke to prevent death and minimize its damage to your health. Signs of stroke include any sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, change or loss of vision, troubl...

e speaking or understanding speech, dizziness or imbalance and severe headache. One way to remember stroke symptoms is to use the acronym FAST: face, arms, speech and time. If you see anyone experiencing drooping of the face, problems with raising an arm or slurred speech, call 911 right away. Learn more about recognizing stroke in men and women and what to do when someone is experiencing a stroke with expert advice from Sharecare.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Stroke Warning Signs & Symptoms

It's important to take action at the first sign of a stroke to prevent death and minimize its damage to your health. Signs of stroke include any sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, change or loss of vision, trouble speaking or understanding speech, dizziness or imbalance and severe headache. One way to remember stroke symptoms is to use the acronym FAST: face, arms, speech and time. If you see anyone experiencing drooping of the face, problems with raising an arm or slurred speech, call 911 right away. Learn more about recognizing stroke in men and women and what to do when someone is experiencing a stroke with expert advice from Sharecare.